"And Mrs.
Lee told Aunt Maria that Wollaston could wipe dishes and sweep as well as a girl." Miss Slome laughed.
"And I've got a bad temper, too, when I'm crossed; mother always said so," said Maria.

Her lip quivered.
Miss Slome left her desk, came over to Maria, and, in spite of her shrinking away, caught her in her arms.
"You are a little darling," said she, "and I am not a bit afraid of your temper." She hesitated a moment, looking at the child's averted face, and coloring.

"My dear, has your father told you ?" she whispered; then, "I didn't know he had." "No, ma'am, he hasn't," said Maria.

She fairly pulled herself loose from Miss Slome and ran out of the room.

Her eyes were almost blinded with tears; she could scarcely see Wollaston Lee on the road, ahead of her, also running.